The first ever Tommy Tinkaboo at Pleasure Island, Meghan Holden succesfully bid on the costume at the auction, and decided to wear it on the school run as it was World Book Day. Tommy with, Willow, 6, Oscar, 7, and Archer, 10.

The carousel may have been the star lot, but Meghan had her eye on something else.

She was the first person to don the Tommy Tinkerboo costume - the parks' mascot who was often found at the Tommy Tinkerboo Sweet Factory ride - and 'loved him to bits'.

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She had her heart set on securing the piece as she told us how working at Pleasure Island was "a big part of her youth" and that the people she worked with were "more like family", adding that she "loved Tommy Tinkerboo to bits".

Meghan Holden pictured with the Tommy Tinkerboo costume before it went under the hammer

Although, all was not plain sailing as Meghan told us: "I saw the auction for the Billy Bear costume and how much it went for even though it wasn't in the best condition.

"I got upset as I thought if that's how much Billy is going for I will never be able to afford it.

"My eldest son who is ten saw how much I wanted it and even offered to use his birthday money to buy it for me".

The first ever Tommy Tinkaboo at Pleasure Island, Meghan Holden succesfully bid on the costume at the auction, and decided to wear it on the school run as it was World Book Day. Tommy reads to pupils at Tetney Primary School

However, waiting in the wings to make the grand purchase was Meghan's husband David, who told us: "There are a lot of fond memories attached to that suit for Meghan.

"What with our anniversary and her birthday coming up, I wanted to get her something special that was a one-off."

David was delighted to be able to secure the sentimental purchase for his wife for the cost of £190, plus auction fees and VAT.

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Talking about the Carousel catastrophe, David added Meghan had faced a similar fate when going to purchase some coffee mugs, as she had in fact ended up with coffee lids, which David claims was due a problem with the auction website.

He jokingly added: "If the bloke who bids for the carousel gets his money back, I want my tenner back for the lids!"

Delighted with her present, Meghan couldn't wait to don the costume once more, as she wore it for the school run at Tetney Primary School yesterday, as the pupils were holding their belated World Book Day celebrations. Most schools had to postpone their March 1 events as they were closed due to the heavy snow.

Actress Julie Peasgood cuts the ribbon to open the new Pendulus ride at Pleasure Island in Cleethorpes with Pleasure Island General manager Neil Ireland and Tommy Tinkerboo.

There are now hopes the costume with the large 'T' emblazoned across the front could pave the way for the new Tetney Primary School mascot, given they both share the same initial. Meghan has also had an offer to open a new sweet shop, proving the character will live on in the hearts of many, even after the park has closed.